The study of the risk factors and pathogenesis of idiopathic epimacular membrane / 中华眼底病杂志

ABSTRACT

Idiopathic macular membrane (iERM) is a fibrocellular membrane that forms on the inner surface of the retina. In its early stages, symptoms of iERM are usually not apparent. However, advanced iERM can cause different degrees of visual impairment and effect the quality of life of patients. Current studies suggest that iERM may be associated with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), age, sex, race and/or ethnicity, poor lifestyle, refractive error, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and cardiovascular disease. The most well-established risk factors for iERM are age and PVD. The pathogenesis of iERM is extremely complex. Various cell types, such as Müller cells, Hyalocytes and myofibroblasts, nerve growth factor, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor β, vascular endothelial growth factor and other cytokines and growth factors, as well as a variety of genes and proteins are directly or indirectly involved in the formation of iERM, however, their exact role remains a mystery. In the future, further studies at the molecular level and gene level are needed to provide greater help for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of iERM.